The National Coalition Youth in Finland proposes that all able-bodied recipients of social support should be required to work in exchange for their benefits, responding to a controversial model suggested by Finance Minister Riikka Pura that applies this requirement solely to immigrants.
The National Coalition Youth, a youth organization of Finland’s National Coalition Party, has put forth a proposal that all able-bodied individuals receiving social support should be mandated to contribute to the workforce as a condition for receiving benefits. This approach directly counters the proposal made by Finance Minister Riikka Pura, which stipulates that only immigrants must perform unpaid work to qualify for social support. The organization argues that treating one group differently does not address the underlying structural problems within the social support system.
Binga Tupamäki, the chairperson of the National Coalition Youth, emphasizes the importance of responsibility and equal treatment for all citizens. The proposal advocates for a reciprocal social welfare system that expects contributions from all able-bodied individuals, regardless of their background. By promoting employment among recipients of social support, the initiative aims to reduce dependency on state benefits and encourage integration into the labor market.
Moreover, the organization asserts that work should be viewed not as a punishment but as an opportunity for individuals to engage positively in society. By ensuring that all working-age individuals contribute to the community, the National Coalition Youth aims to foster a sense of responsibility and belonging among all Finns, pushing for reforms that encompass everyone rather than singling out specific groups. This proposal has sparked a debate about fairness and the future of social support systems in Finland, highlighting the need for comprehensive reform across the board.
